The film, which stars Rami Malek ("Mr. Robot"), 36, as Freddie Mercury, has halted production and is expected to get a new director.

Singer, 52, who grew up in West Windsor, is reported to have been absent from the set and to have clashed with Malek, who complained to the studio about the director, who allegedly threw an object during a fight.

The studio behind the movie, 20th Century Fox, announced on Dec. 1 that production for the movie had been suspended in London.

"Bryan Singer is no longer the director of 'Bohemian Rhapsody,'" the studio said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. Singer had reportedly failed to show up on set more than once, and was absent and remained in the United States following a Thanksgiving break.

One source told The Hollywood Reporter that actor Tom Hollander, who plays Jim Beach, Queen's manager, in the film, quit the movie because of Singer, but was persuaded to return.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Singer disputed that his departure had anything to do with disagreements he had with Malek, saying they had already moved forward from any disputes. He said the studio would not let him take time to deal with a serious illness in his family.

"'Bohemian Rhapsody' is a passion project of mine," he said. "With fewer than three weeks to shoot remaining, I asked Fox for some time off so I could return to the U.S. to deal with pressing health matters concerning one of my parents. This was a very taxing experience, which ultimately took a serious toll on my own health. Unfortunately, the studio was unwilling to accommodate me and terminated my services. This was not my decision and it was beyond my control."